Tower of Mendoza

The Tower of Mendoza stands as a five-story medieval fortress featuring distinctive square bastions at each corner, thick defensive walls, and Gothic architectural elements that exemplify 13th-century fortified residential design.

Constructed in the 13th century for the noble House of Mendoza, the tower served as both residence and defensive stronghold before being repurposed as a prison in later centuries.

Between 1969 and 2007, the tower housed the Álava Heraldry Museum, displaying extensive collections of coats of arms, medieval clothing, and heraldic traditions that illustrated the region's aristocratic heritage.

Located approximately 21 minutes by car from Vitoria-Gasteiz via route A-3302, the tower remains accessible to visitors despite the closure of its internal museum due to accessibility standards.

The tower features four square bastions positioned at each corner of its surrounding wall, providing multiple vantage points and defensive positions that distinguish it from typical cylindrical tower designs.

Location: Vitoria-Gasteiz

GPS coordinates: 42.85970,-2.77361

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18